In its 24th meeting, 19th Undergraduate Senate addressed concerns regarding annual funding reductions on account of students’ waiving their activities fees. Senators also advocated for a need-blind admission policy for international students and more student input in the search for a new Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) director. The Senate also passed a resolution appointing Josie Bianchi ’20 to the ASSU Constitutional Council.

ASSU Financial Manager Frederik Groce ’14 reported that there has been an increase in the number of students requesting of waivers to opt-out of student activities fees, with 8.4 percent of undergraduates opting out compared to the 6.2 percent who opted out last year. Groce attributed this increase to the growing awareness of this option on campus.

Last week’s ASSU election was the loudest I’ve seen in a while. I’ve heard accusations of racism, ad hominem attacks and cute marketing campaigns. My dorm email list was shut down because of the political flame wars, and from what I’ve seen of other chats, mine was one of the quieter ones. But let me try to put the ASSU election in perspective.

The item on this year’s spring ballot with the potential for the greatest and most enduring impact on students isn’t a contest between slates or individual candidates. Instead, a constitutional amendment under consideration aims to almost completely overhaul the current student activities funding system – and has prompted controversy accordingly.